Rossi Enters World Series By Renault With Fortec

American racer Alexander Rossi has signed up with Fortec Motorsport to compete in the 2011 World Series by Renault (Formula Renault 3.5 Series) championship.

Rossi, who resides in Marina de Pietrasanta, Italy, competed in the inaugural GP3 series in 2010, finishing fourth in the championship with two wins. He also made his World Series debut during the season at Monaco, before going on to top the time sheets at the series' post season test at Aragon, Spain.

Rossi's is starting his preparations for the new season in Austria, competing in the FIA Young Driver Excellence Academy Shootout. He will then head to the first of four World Series test's at Aragon in early March, before returning for the season opener in April.

Rossi commented: “Coming off the back of a number of very strong winter tests in 2010, I was confident that we would be able to find a good solution for the 2011 season. When Fortec approached us to join them for this year’s assault on WSR we were thrilled. They have a long-standing history of success in motor racing. My goals for this year remain the same as in previous seasons and I’ve never been more prepared for Championship winning campaign. I have full confidence in Fortec and their past results are motivation enough to deliver results for them.

“We will be aiming to establish ourselves as front-runners immediately at the first test and work to stay there for the remainder of the season. I am already quite comfortable in the WS car, so there is no reason why we shouldn’t be scoring points from the start.”

Team Principal of Fortec Motorsport, Richard Dutton said: “I am delighted to have Alexander racing with us. I have watched him coming through the ranks since Formula BMW and I was impressed by his speed both back then and also now. His debut in 2010 WSR at Monaco and his pace in the winter testing with ISR showed us that he was one to have this year. Now we all look forward to our 2011 championship assault together.”

Fortec's Team Manager Jamie Dye added:“The whole team is really excited and highly motivated to have Alexander on board this season. We have a lot to offer and know that Alexander will be right up at the front, challenging for the title from the start. This season in WSR there are some top drivers to beat and we are confident that we can beat them. Good luck to Alexander from his new Team.”